Report: Indians, Encarnacion discussing multi-year deal

The Cleveland Indians could be the dark horse team of the winter meetings.

In need of a first baseman, the Indians are reportedly in negotiations with free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion on a multi-year deal, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Hoynes says that the deal might not happen, but adds that talks are serious at the moment. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports added that there are serious questions if Cleveland could match Encarnacion's asking price.

Not only would Encarnacion likely command a salary in the neighborhood of $80-$100 million, but signing him would also require the Indians to surrender a draft pick to the Blue Jays as he rejected a qualifying offer.

Encarnacion turned down a four-year deal in the range of $80 million from the Blue Jays earlier this offseason, but has since gone on to watch his market dry up. The Astros, Rangers, Yankees, and Red Sox were all believed to be interested in his services, but each team appears likely to settle for a cheaper alternative.

Adding Encarnacion's bat would be a massive upgrade for Cleveland. The 33-year-old hit .263/.357/.529 with 42 home runs, 34 doubles, and 127 RBIs in 160 games last season.